President Donald Trump's behavior and appearance is increasingly subjected to scrutiny about whether the commander-in-chief is able to serve out the remainder of his second term. Now, one psychologist is worried that the president is rapidly declining in public.
The Daily Beast reported Friday that psychologist Dr. John Gartner, who is a former professor at Johns Hopkins University, believes the president has been increasingly exhibiting "flashing signs" of an "immense cognitive decline."
"Because of his cognitive decline, [Trump] is focusing on things like the [White House] ballroom and the paper that he writes things on," Gartner told the Beast.
Gartner's assessment about the president's mental health is merely his latest observation, as the psychologist has previously sounded the alarm over Trump's increasingly erratic speech, confused behavior and lapses in memory. Gartner is also the founder of the organization Duty to Warn, which is a coalition of mental health professionals who believe that Trump's advanced age presents a national security risk. His organization also believes that the risk Trump's health overrides the Goldwater Rule (in which medical professionals avoid diagnosing people who aren't their own patients).
The Beast's report highlighted how Trump has sparked concern among Americans after he was spotted in public earlier this year with dark bruises on his hands and swollen ankles. The president has also been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which can sometimes cause blood to pool in the legs.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Beast that the 79 year-old president's health is "excellent" despite Gartner's assessment.
"As the President’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, has made clear time and again — and as the American people see with their own eyes every single day — President Trump remains in excellent overall health," she told the outlet.
Click here to read the Daily Beast's report in its entirety (subscription required).